When weather is bad...

Whether you’re a novice or a skilled driver, there are going to be times when adverse weather will test your driving abilities. The best defense you have is the ability to react calmly and correctly to the conditions.

Before you head out, watch your local weather forecast. If there is a possibility of rain, snow, strong winds or other potentially dangerous weather on the way, you may want to consider alternative travel times, routes and destinations. However you can’t always predict the weather, and there is always the possibility you could get stuck driving in adverse conditions.

Whether you’re driving in slick conditions or avoiding potholes or hazards in the road, here are a few tips that could help you react appropriately for the conditions.

When Surfaces are Slick

When roads become slippery, you have to react differently than you would during ideal driving conditions. Whether it’s rainy, snowy or icy, there are some simple steps you can take to help keep yourself safe in slick conditions:

• Prepare your Vehicle. Tires should be properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth to help ensure traction on slick roads. In the winter, check your fluids, particularly washer fluid and anti-freeze, to make sure they are at adequate levels. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with jumper cables, flares, a flashlight and some warm clothing and blankets in case you get stuck. Additionally, you should make sure you completely clear your vehicle of snow and ice before you start driving. This increases your safety by making sure you have unobstructed views out all windows and prevents snow and ice from flying off your car and posing hazards to others on the road.
• Reduce your Speed. Most slick condition crashes are caused by excessive speeds for the road and weather conditions. Speed limits are set for optimal, dry driving conditions. If conditions are adverse, you may need to travel at a speed well below the posted limit.
• Leave Extra Space. In perfect driving conditions, you should leave at least one car length between vehicles for every ten miles per hour that you are driving. In inclement weather, stopping distances are increased, and you need to adjust how closely you follow other vehicles.
• Dial 911 in Emergencies. If your vehicle becomes disabled or if you encounter an emergency, you should dial 911 and report your location and the nature of the emergency. Make sure you always know your location, including the name of the road you’re on or the mile marker if you’re on a highway.

Driving Through Puddles

Be very cautious when driving through puddles, the water may be hiding a pothole. Never drive through rushing water, as it may be a lot deeper than you expected. In flood conditions, the water can rise more quickly than you may be able to react.

Driving in Fog

When you’re driving in foggy conditions, it’s just as important for other cars to see you as it is for you to see them and the road. Always use your low beams, not just the fog or parking lights. This helps other drivers see your vehicle. In extremely thick fog, use the lines on the pavement and roadway reflectors as your guide and listen for other vehicles you may not be able to see.

Blake Insurance
1405 E Lincolnway Suite C
LaPorte, IN 46350

phone 219-362-5253
toll free 888-325-5253
fax 219-324-9256

Office Hours:

Monday & Friday 8am-5pm CST
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am-5pm CST
Saturday - By Appointment